Day 43 - PCT 2024
Miles Hiked: 7.9
Total Ascent: 1,982.6 ft.
Total Descent: 642.4 ft.
I had the best Uber driver, Samuel, this morning from my hotel back to the trailhead! He was an older gentleman and asked if I was going hiking. It’s pretty obvious with all my gear but we started talking about the PCT. He’d never heard of it but thought I was completely out of my mind for attempting such an adventure, especially alone. He said his son would be perfect for me because he’s also an adventure seeker, lol! Samuel made it known that if I was his wife, I’d kill him with worry before I hurt or killed myself out in the “wild.” He’s not a fan of hiking, snakes (especially the ones that’ll eat you - pretty sure that’s an exaggeration but I’m with Samuel on that one), flying or cruises apparently but his son would jump out of a plane with me. Rock on! I tipped him well. Gotta keep those guys in action.
I think Samuel jinxed me though. Up until now I haven’t seen a rattlesnake and lo and behold, a rattlesnake! And after the rattlesnake, I saw another snake! Not a rattlesnake but a snake is a snake and I steer clear.
The hike up was hot. Today was sunny and far too warm for a section like this without water for miles and miles. Not only is there a lack of water in here, I’m climbing over 7000 feet in the next three days. I’ve decided to slow down on the miles and spread them out a bit better so that my knee can ease back into it. My knee is feeling much better this morning but I’d hate to overdo it, especially with entering snow again soon. Thankfully there was a water cache that I was able to fill up with. It’s 27 miles to Wrightwood but no water sources. This would be insane later in the season. I have it on good authority there’s snow and snow melt higher in elevation. I’m counting on that for water tomorrow.
The start of the hike took me under Interstate 15, under train tracks and then over train tracks before hitting open trail. The climb was lovely. I got to camp ridiculously early and debated continuing but decided that I didn’t want to risk hurting my knee. I also didn’t want to hike in the hottest part of the day. My thermometer registered 32 degrees. I laid out on my mat under my Sunbrella for hours, watching the cars on the Interstate. What a view from up here!
As the evening rolled in, so did the wind. It’s not terribly bad but I’m grateful for heavy rocks for my tent. Some fog rolled in down below. There's only room for 1 tent here so I’m officially camping by myself tonight! This is my first time camping alone during this entire hike. Kathryn got back on trail yesterday so she’s an entire day ahead. She’s giving me the intel on the conditions up the mountain and it sounds a bit daunting! I’ll be back in snow when I get up top. Until then, I’m going to stretch and rest my knee and enjoy my first night alone on trail.
